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Unfile a VAT return in QuickBooks

by Intuit•7• Updated 2 weeks ago

Unfiling a VAT return in QuickBooks allows your accountant to correct or adjust a previous return. This article explains the process and the important steps you must take to ensure your records remain accurate and compliant with HMRC regulations.


Who can unfile a VAT return?

This article is primarily for accountants and bookkeepers. Only users with access to QuickBooks Online Accountant can unfile a VAT return.

If you are a business owner, please ask your accountant to perform these steps for you.


What you need to know

  • HMRC submissions are final: You cannot unfile or retract a return that has already been successfully submitted to HMRC through Making Tax Digital (MTD). Unfiling in QuickBooks only affects your QuickBooks records. Any financial corrections must be included in your next VAT return to HMRC.
  • Unfile in order: Returns must be unfiled in reverse chronological order, from the most recent to the oldest.
  • Eligible returns: You can only unfile a return that is marked as 'Filed' within QuickBooks.

Step 1: Prepare for unfiling

If the period you are unfiling has VAT exceptions or associated payments, you must manage them before unfiling the return.

Once a return is unfiled, the transactions from its previous exception report will be moved into the new, open VAT period. For your records, it is essential to download the report first.

  1. Follow this link to complete the steps in product Open this link in a new window
  2. Next to the tax period you wish to unfile, select the â–Ľdropdown arrow.
  3. Select Exception detail.
  4. Select Review and download.

If you need to recreate the exceptions, you'll have to do it manually. Learn about VAT exceptions and reports.

If you have recorded a payment against the VAT return, you must delete the payment record before you can unfile the return.

  1. Follow this link to complete the steps in product Open this link in a new window
  2. Select Payments.
  3. Locate the payment you wish to remove.
  4. Under the Actions column, select View.
  5. Select Delete and confirm.

Step 2: Unfile the VAT return

Once you have managed any exceptions and removed payments, your accountant can unfile the return.

  1. Follow this link to complete the steps in product Open this link in a new window
  2. Next to the return you wish to unfile, select View Return.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions to proceed with the unfiling process.
Tip: Did you know, with InstantVAT by our partner Adsum, you can receive your repayment in as little as 24 hours - saving you several weeks of waiting for your repayments each year. Sign up today.